Power Ranking the 10 Most Likeable NFL Franchises of 2014

Power Ranking the 10 Most Likeable NFL Franchises of 2014

Getty Images

10. Atlanta Falcons

Getty Images

10. Atlanta Falcons

Getty Images

The popularity of the Atlanta Falcons in 2014 is expected to increase tenfold due to their appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Having an exclusive inside look with a team for a few weeks during the preseason will make fans want to see how they handle the regular season, which will also increase the likeability. On top of that, the Falcons have been so close to reaching the big dance only to fall short several times in recent years.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Getty Images

9. Dallas Cowboys

Getty Images

I really struggled to put the Dallas Cowboys on this list. Jerry Jones, Tony Romo and Dez Bryant are three reasons why many fans hate the Cowboys. At the same time, the self-proclaimed “America’s Team” is incredibly popular. One has to wonder if Jones is the main reason for so much hate. The fact that the Cowboys haven’t been successful in a long time means fans would have no problem watching them in the playoffs.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

Getty Images

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

Getty Images

Another team that could be a hit or miss is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The work ethic of the team, and more importantly the city, really hits home with a lot of fans. They have the most Super Bowl titles of any team and win consistently. There’s no denying the popularity of the Steelers throughout the nation. Even though there are plenty of haters, Pittsburgh will always be a team that is well liked among NFL fans.

7. Indianapolis Colts

Getty Images

7. Indianapolis Colts

Getty Images

Watching the changing of the guard with Peyton Manning was tough for Indianapolis Colts fans. The good news for them is Andrew Luck appears to be the real deal. In fact, Luck is a reason why the Colts are likeable. He’s incredibly intelligent, has a great sense of humor and puts the team first.

6. Houston Texans

Getty Images

6. Houston Texans

Getty Images

It might be peculiar seeing the Houston Texans so high on this list, but the reason I have them on here is because I truly believe their likeability is increasing each year. The Texans have had to compete with the popularity of the Cowboys for over a decade. However, the fact that the team is trying to win the right way, and have come so close to doing so, means fans would definitely be okay with watching them become victorious in big games.

5. St. Louis Rams

Getty Images

5. St. Louis Rams

Getty Images

Everyone loves to root for the underdog, and the St. Louis Rams are definitely the underdog in a division loaded with talent. Not to mention, the addition of Michael Sam (yes, he absolutely increases the popularity of the team), an exciting defense to watch and an improved quarterback makes the Rams very likeable.

4. Buffalo Bills

Getty Images

4. Buffalo Bills

Getty Images

The Buffalo Bills were once a very popular team during their four Super Bowl appearances from 1990-’93. Unfortunately, that popularity has fallen way off due to the consistent dismal performances given by the Bills each season. Buffalo is a team that when they string some wins together (think Ryan Fitzpatrick a few seasons ago) the popularity increases greatly. With young potential throughout the roster, the Bills could be exciting to watch.

3. New York Jets

Getty Images

3. New York Jets

Getty Images

There are so many reasons to hate the New York Jets. At the same time, one can’t help but root for them to succeed. Maybe it’s because they are the lesser quality between the two teams in New York. Or maybe it’s because Jets fans come off as working class people who are in dire need of a championship. Either way, NFL fans are waiting for someone to overthrow the New England Patriots in the AFC East.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Getty Images

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Getty Images

When thinking about teams with crazy diehard fans, the Kansas City Chiefs usually isn’t one that comes to mind. However, Chiefs fans are incredibly supportive of their team. It was hard to watch their successful season come to an abrupt end in the fashion that it did because Kansas City has been without a winner for so long. The Chiefs will be well liked in 2014, as most fans oppose the Denver Broncos.

1. Green Bay Packers

Getty Images

1. Green Bay Packers

Getty Images

The small-town charm, storied history and blue-collar fans are just a few of the several reasons why the Green Bay Packers are the most likeable team in the NFL. When the Packers win, the town comes alive the day after. But when they lose, there is sadness over the city of Green Bay that affects business. No matter where the team plays, there is an overwhelming amount of fans in support of the Packers.